NDA: Solved Previous Year Question Paper 2008

Directions-(Q. 1-9) In this section, each of the following nine items consists of a word in CAPITAL LETTERS, followed by four words. Select the word that is most similar in MEANING to the bold word in CAPITAL LETTERS.

1. PERPLEX

(A) Distract

(B) Intrigue

(C) Perspective

(D) Baffle

2. HOSPITABLE

(A) Convivial

(B) Liberal

(C) Congenital

(D) Welcoming

3. GAIETY

(A) Dexterity

(B) Wonder

(C) Colourfulness

(D) Jollity

4. SCARCELY

(A) Hardly

(B) Always

(C) Sometimes

(D) Frequently

5. COUNTERFEIT

(A) Imitated

(B) Duplicate

(C) Fake

(D) Foreign

6. DAZED

(A) Shocked

(B) Dreamy

(C) Happy

(D) Tired

7. DISDAIN

(A) Disown

(B) Condemn

(C) Hate

(D) Criticise

8. BEWITCHING

(A) Enchanting

(B) Magical

(C) Affected

(D) Ensnaring

9. RAPACITY

(A) Anger

(B) Cruelty

(C) Pride

(D) Greed

Directions-(Q. 10-17) In the following items, some parts of the sentence have been jumbled up. You are required to re-arrange these parts which are labelled (P), (Q), (R) and (S) to produce the correct sentence. Choose the proper sequence and indicate your correct response accordingly. Example 'Z' has been solved for you.

Z. It is well-known that / the effect (P)/is very bad (Q)/ on children (R)/ of cinema (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) P S R Q

(B) S P Q R

(C) S R P Q

(D) Q S R P

Explanation :

The proper way of writing the sentence is "It is well-known that the effect of cinema on children is very bad". This is indicated by the sequence P S R Q and so (A) is the correct answer.

10. It is a privilege / to pay tax (P)/ of every citizen (Q)/ as well as the duty (R)/ who is well-placed (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) R P S Q

(B) S P R Q

(C) R Q S P

(D) S Q R P

11. It is not good / of the wicked persons (P)/ to overthrow (Q)/ to accept the help (R)/ the righteous persons. (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) R S Q P

(B) Q S R P

(C) R P Q S

(D) Q P R S

12. Life is judged / and not by (P)/ of work done (Q)/ the longevity of years (R)/ by the quality. (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) Q S P R

(B) S Q R P

(C) Q S R P

(D) S Q P R

13. When he learns that (P)/ you have passed the examination (Q)/ in the first division (R)/ your father will be delighted (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) Q P S R

(B) S P Q R

(C) Q R S P

(D) S R Q P

14. The journalist (P)/ saw (Q)/ countless number of the dead (R)/ driving across the field of battle (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) P Q S R

(B) P Q R S

(C) P S Q R

(D) S R Q P

15. Jane planned (P)/ some stamps (Q)/ to buy (R)/ this afternoon (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) P R Q S

(B) P S Q R

(C) Q R P S

(D) Q S P R

16. Her mother / when she was (P)/ hardly four years old (Q)/ began to teach to Neha (R)/ English (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) R S Q P

(B) S R P Q

(C) R S P Q

(D) S R Q P

17. Bill had (P)/ a friend (Q)/ an appointment (R)/ to meet (S)

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) P S R Q

(B) P R S Q

(C) Q S R P

(D) Q R S P

Directions-(Q. 18-26) In this section, each of the following nine items consists of a word in CAPITAL LETTERS, followed by four words. Select the word that is FARTHEST in MEANING to the bold word in CAPITAL LETTERS.

18. EPHEMERAL

(A) Temporal

(B) Stable

(C) Permanent

(D) Earthly

19. OBLIGATORY

(A) Doubtful

(B) Voluntary

(C) Sincerely

(D) Faithfully

20. CIRCUMSPECT

(A) Careless

(B) Pusillanimous

(C) Reticent

(D) Hostile

21. OBSCURE

(A) Suitable

(B) Apt

(C) Thalamus

(D) Clear

22. REPULSIVE

(A) Attractive

(B) Colourful

(C) Unattractive

(D) Striking

23. KINDLED

(A) Extinguished

(B) Reduced

(C) Weakened

(D) Ignited

24. VITAL

(A) Trivial

(B) Peripheral

(C) Optional

(D) Superficial

25. PENURY

(A) Education

(B) Laziness

(C) Wealth

(D) Ignorance

26. INHIBIT

(A) Pamper

(B) Breed

(C) Accept

(D) Promote

Directions-(Q. 27-37) In this section, you have four short passages. After each passage, you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read a passage, and then answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.

Examples 'I' and 'J' are solved for you.

PASSAGE (Example)

In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.

I. The author's main point is that

(A) different forms of life are found on earth

(B) different levels of existence are possible in nature

(C) peace and security are the chief goals of all living beings

(D) even the weakest creature struggles to preserve its life

J. Which one of the following assumptions or steps is essential in developing the author's position?

(A) All forms of life have a single overriding goal

(B) The will to survive of a creature is identified with a desire for peace

(C) All beings are divided into higher and lower groups

(D) A parallel is drawn between happiness and life, and pain and death

Explanation :

I. The idea which represents the author's main point is "peace and security are the chief goals of all living beings", which is response (C). So (C) is the correct answer.

J. The best assumption underlying the passage is "The will to survive of a creature is identified with a desire for peace", which is response (B). So (B) is the correct answer.

PASSAGE I

We have built up an energy intensive society such that hundreds of daily acts are dependent on having energy at our ready command. Most of that energy comes from fossil fules. Yet, within two centuries we will have used up nearly all of the fossil fuel that has been built up over millions of years of earth time. Furthermore, the extraction and consumption of fossil fuels is a major polluter of our environment. Our appetite for energy is seemingly insatiable. We are now searching for it in different places and using methods that inevitably upset and pollute the environment. Since fossil energy will soon be gone we are searching for alternative sources.

27. Today we are dependent on energy for everything. What is the most likely factor that contributes to this situation?

(A) Sufficient quantity of energy is available at present

(B) We have developed a society which makes intensive use of energy

(C) Energy is most convenient and easy to use

(D) We have no alternatives

28. The author seems to disapprove further extraction and consumption of fossil fuels. Which of the following is the most likely reason for that?

(A) Further extraction of fossil fuel is a costly affair

(B) Further extraction and consumption of fossil fuel may lead to conflict between countries

(C) We do not have the technical know-how for further extraction of fossil fuels

(D) Further extraction and consumption of fossil fuels will lead to worldwide environmental pollution.

29. According to the author, we are searching for alternative sources of energy. What is the most likely reason for this?

(A) Alternative sources of energy are cheaper

(B) It is feared that fossil energy will soon be exhausted

(C) A number of alternative energy sources are easily available

(D) Alternative sources of energy will not cause any environmental problems

PASSAGE II

Books are by far, the most lasting product of human effort. Temples crumble into ruins, pictures and statues decay, but books survive. Time does not destroy the great thoughts which are as fresh today as when they first passed through their author's minds ages ago. The only effect of time has been to throw out of currency the bad products, for nothing in literature can long survive but what is really good and of lasting value. Books introduce us into the best society; they bring us into the presence of the greatest minds that have ever lived, we hear what they said and did; we see them as if they were really alive, we sympathise with them, enjoy with them and grieve with them.

30. According to the passage, books live for ever because-

(A) they have productive value

(B) time does not destroy great thoughts

(C) they are in printed form

(D) they have the power to influence people

31. According to the passage, temples, pictures and statues belong to the same category because-

(A) all of them are beautiful

(B) all of them are substantial

(C) all of them are likely to decay

(D) all of them are fashioned by men

32. "Lasting value" in the passage means-

(A) something which has survived the passage of time

(B) something which has been lost with the passage of time

(C) something which has relevance for the present

(D) something which had relevance for the past

PASSAGE III

The pre-historic man preferred this area as three of his primary needs-water, raw material for tool making and game in the thick jungles, were available here in plenty. Mr. Sharma found sites on top of hills where huge boulders have been cut flat. These flat rocks were found in the round formation. Probably they sat on these and there was a fire in the middle. It was also a site where the tools were made. It was like a national pastime. They made tools to throw at animals. There was little chance of killing them with one tool. Mr. Sharma says there are strong chances of finding fossils in the area.

33. Mr. Sharma is most probably working as-

(A) a Civil Engineer

(B) a Geographer

(C) an Archaeologist

(D) a Tourist officer

34. "There was little chance of killing them with one tool" implies that-

(A) the animals were too clever

(B) the men did not know how to hunt

(C) the tools were not sophisticated enough

(D) the hunters wanted to use more than one tool

35. Which of the following does not describe the activities of the man as mentioned in the passage?

(A) Hunting animals

(B) Lighting fires

(C) Cutting stones

(D) Cultivating land

PASSAGE IV

A whole generation of Indians gave up everything and spent their lives in fighting in British in Gandhi's way without hurting, without violence, without hatred. The hope that India would one day be free kept them going through very difficult times and gave them courage. When millions of people want the same thing very much, it is a great force which even the most powerful army cannot oppose.

36. The demand for freedom became a 'great force'. What is the most likely reason for it?

(A) Great leaders gave the call for freedom

(B) Millions of people wanted to get freedom

(C) The British rule did not permit any freedom

(D) Freedom is a noble ideal

37. Which is the 'most powerful army' referred to in the passage?

(A) The powerful army of the Government of India

(B) The powerful army of the British

(C) Any powerful army fighting against the wishes of millions of people

(D) The army formed by the freedom fighters

SPOTTING ERRORS

Directions-(Q. 38-42) (i) In this Section a number of sentences are given. The sentences are in three separate parts and each one is labeled (A), (B) and (C). Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any part. No sentence has more than one error. When you find an error in any one of the parts (A), (B) or (C), indicate your response on the separate Answer Sheet at the appropriate space. You may feel that there is no error in a sentence. In that case letter (D) will signify a 'No error' response.

(ii) You are to indicate only one response for each item in your Answer Sheet. (If you indicate more than one response, your answer will be considered wrong.) Errors may be in grammar, word usage or idioms. There may be a word missing or there may be a word which should be removed.

(iii) You are not required to correct the error. You are required only to indicate your response on the Answer Sheet.

Examples 'P' and 'Q' have been solved for you.

P. The young child (A)/ singed (B)/ a very sweet song. (C) No error (D)

Q. We worked (A)/ very hard (B)/ throughout the season. (C) No error (D)

Explanation :

In item P, the word 'singed' is wrong. The letter under this part is (B); so (B) is the correct answer. Similarly, for item Q, (D) is the correct answer, as the sentence does not contain any error.

38. I informed the principal (A)/ that I was running temperature (B)/ and therefore could not attend the meeting. (C) No error (D)

39. The lady was broken with grief (A)/ when she heard the sad news of the train disaster (B)/ in which her brother was killed. (C) No error (D)

40. The farmer is irrigating (A)/ his fields (B)/ since morning. (C) No error (D)

41. I could not (A)/ answer to (B)/ the question. (C) No error (D)

42. Two years passed (A)/ since (B)/ my cousin died. No error (D)

ORDERING OF SENTENCES

Directions-(Q. 43-50) In the following items, each passage consists of six sentences. The first sentence (S1) and the final sentence (S6) are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are required to find out the proper sequence of the four sentences and indicate your correct answer accordingly.

Example 'X' has been solved for you.

X. S1 : There was a boy named Jack.

S6 : At last she turned him out of the house.

P : So the mother asked him to find work.

Q : They were very poor.

R : He lived with his mother.

S : But Jack refused to work.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) R Q P S

(B) P Q R S

(C) Q P R S

(D) R P S Q

Explanation :

The correct sequence in this example is R Q P S which is marked by (A). Therefore, (A) is the correct answer.

43. S1 : When you have to study for examination, you have many things to do.

S6 : The final aim, of course, is to pass the examination that is two months away.

P : Suppose you have only two months to do it.

Q : The time-table tells you what you have to do everyday and for how many hours.

R : You have to read a number of books, learn tables and formulas.

S : Then the best way is to make a time-table for yourself.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) R P S Q

(B) S R Q P

(C) Q R S P

(D) P S Q R

44. S1 : The umpire has to do a lot of hard work before qualifying to surpervise a match.

S6 : So an umpire must keep abreast of time and apply the rules as occasion demands.

P : However, umpires are human and are sometimes prone to make mistakes.

Q : The rules of the game are being constantly changed.

R : The players should gracefully and sportingly accept these mistakes.

S : He is aware of the responsibilities that go with the job.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) Q R R S

(B) S P R Q

(C) S R P Q

(D) Q R P S

45. S1 : Mohan came to the city to meet a friend.

S6 : He should not have behaved so rudely

P : Mohan asked her to join them for tea.

Q : Mohan's friend who had some grudge against Shiela quickly got up and left the restaurant without saying a word.

R : While they were having tea at a restaurant Sheila, a former fellow student of theirs, came in.

S : Though Sheila knew Mohan's friend was a bad fellow, she accepted the invitation.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) P R S Q

(B) R P S Q

(C) P R Q S

(D) R P Q S

46. S1 : When the Romans invaded Britain about 2,000 years ago, their calendar was calculated on the phases of the moon.

S6 : The astronomer's name was Sosigenes and his calendar had a year of 365 days.

P : This calender had gradually become so out of line with the seasons that it was two or three months behind.

Q : The Emperor Julius Caesar was determined to correct it.

R : Caesar had been to Egypt and seen the advantages of a calender which used only the sun.

S : So he sought help from a Greek astronomer who lived in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) R Q P S

(B) P Q R S

(C) P S R Q

(D) R S P Q

47. S1 : Education is in great demand today in India.

S6 : Things have changed considerably now.

P : These people were accustomed to applying their intelligence to the profession of their fathers.

Q : Since independence it has spread to backward classes.

R : They had no idea that they could train themselves to do something else.

S : Besides this training they had little book learning.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) P Q R S

(B) Q P R S

(C) P Q S R

(D) Q P S R

48. S1 : There was once a king in India

S6 : The three sons did not know what to do and where to go.

P : The captain of the king's army wanted the kingdom for himself.

Q : He died leaving three sons.

R : The eldest of the three sons would have become the king.

S : So he drove the three sons away and took everything in the kingdom in his possession.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) P R Q S

(B) P S Q R

(C) Q S P R

(D) Q R P S

49. S1 : An old man died and left his son a lot of money.

S6 : He became sad and lonely.

P : Soon he had nothing left.

Q : The son was a foolish young man.

R : All his friends left him.

S : He quickly spent all his money.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence?

(A) S Q R P

(B) Q S P R

(C) S Q P R

(D) Q S R P

50. S1 : Siberian crane is a migratory bird

S6 : They return to Siberia at the onset of summer in India.

P : They remain here for four five months.

Q : Migrating birds are those which travel to other places for a period of time and then return.

R : They can't sustain in the severe winter of Siberia.

S : So during winters they travel thousands of miles to reach the bird sanctuary in Rajasthan in India.

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